Stephen "Bear" Lee Poole

Stephen "Bear" Lee Poole, 57, had his Heavenly homecoming Jan. 28, 2015. He was born May 8, 1957 in Ardmore, Okla. to Charles Alvin and Rose Mary Huff Poole. A resident of Okeechobee for several months, his greatest passion was sharing God's word with everyone as well as fishing, cars, going to church with his daughter and grandson and reminiscing about family.

He is survived by his daughter, Lana Palmer (Wade) of Okeechobee; grandson, Jeremiah Johnson, Jr. of Okeechobee; mother, Rosemary Smith of Texas; brothers, David Pool of Ohio, Paul Pool (Roxann) of Louisiana and Bruce Fortney of Virginia; sister, Charlotte Miller (Barry) of Texas; half-sisters, Anita Poole Poindexter (Tom) and Teresa Poole Gillum (Larry); several nieces and nephews; best friend, Ron Douglas of Tampa and his friend he considered as a second daughter, Kari Bowers of Okeechobee.

A memorial service will be held Feb. 14 at 11 a.m. at the Harwood Baptist Church with Todd Craven officiating.

Anyone wishing to send flowers may contact Person's Flowers at 830-672-2883 no later than Feb. 12. Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may sign the register book at www.OkeechobeeFuneraIHome.com. All arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of the Buxton, Bass and Conway families of the Buxton & Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 N. Parrott Ave., Okeechobee, Fla., 34972.